What are N-to-P ratios on your units?

Are you in a stepdown unit? Our ratio is 2:1 (occasionally 3:1). Our stepdown is 4:1 (Neuro Critical Care and Stepdown respectively).

Nov 2, '06

I usually start off with 5 patients on days and eves. Usually get a admission or post-op. On ights I have had up to 8 patients. I work on a med/surg/ortho unit. We are supposed to have 1 CNA per nurse, but usually have 2-4 CNA for the floor which is 33 patients. Isn't there laws for ratios in every state? Hmmmmm......

Nov 2, '06

Quote from kellibellirn

I usually start off with 5 patients on days and eves. Usually get a admission or post-op. On ights I have had up to 8 patients. I work on a med/surg/ortho unit. We are supposed to have 1 CNA per nurse, but usually have 2-4 CNA for the floor which is 33 patients. Isn't there laws for ratios in every state? Hmmmmm......

If only there were in every state! I know there is in CA...anywhere else?

In the CCU I work in, it's 1:2. I've seen 1:3 max, and that is only if one is waiting to go up to the floor. Oftentimes it's 1:1 for CVVHD or hypothermia.

Nov 3, '06

1:2 usually, depending on the patients, vents, iabp, crrt are usually 1:1......Our hypothermia protocol patients at the start are 2 nurses to one patient, as it is a super busy time

Nov 7, '06

If you all are talking Critical care, not step down, then YES, many states do have laws, go to your local library to look them up.
NJ-----maximum 3-1, unless acuity precludes it, and there are more specifics for post OHS, etc. Must have acuity in place to determine if 1:1, 2:1 appropriate
NJ telemtry---6:1
Med-surg--no state law

Nov 7, '06

I am new to Neuro ICU and our nurse to pt ratios are usually 1:2 but if VERY critical 1:1. VERY MAX 1:3. I haven't seen this yet. I am still in orientation and have never been singled. I have been a Med surg nurse for 5 years before changing to ICU.

We're also usually 1:2, often 1:1, and rarely 1:3 (usually when the tele floor is full and preventing txfr). We can have 2 nurses on 1 pt if they're extremely ill.

I don't see why staffing in an ICU should change depending on shift (nights)? The acuity of pts doesn't vary by time of day in critical care. It's not uncommon for us to have pts decline in the middle of the night.

Nov 15, '06

Our unit staffing is 2:1 unless they are PRISMA 1:1 or balloon pump 1:1, or other especially sick pt. could be 1:1 depending on the need.